Esan Marsters has revealed his ambition to return to the NRL as the former Wests Tigers, Titans and Cowboys star prepares to play halfback for Cook Islands against Fiji in Port Moresby.
Marsters, who has played most of his 107 NRL and Super League matches in the centres, will partner former Parramatta Eels star Brad Takairangi in the halves after the loss of Tevin Arona during last Sunday’s match against PNG.
The former Kiwis international moved to England this year to join Huddersfield in the Super League but still harbours hope of playing in the NRL and believes representing Cook Islands offers him an opportunity to remind clubs of his talent.
“I’ve got an end goal of wanting to come back to the NRL,” Marsters said. “I'm only 27 so I’ve still got a lot of good footy left in me.
“I’m enjoying the Super League, I’ve got my family there so it’s good but, for myself, I want to use this platform here to hopefully get back to the NRL.”
Marsters will be making his eighth international appearance for the Cook Islands and is committed to helping the Pacific nation qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the Southern Hemisphere by winning a berth at the inaugural World Series in 2025.
Fiji v Cook Islands: Week 2
“My mum is of Cook Island descent, her mum and dad are Cookies, so it is a big thing for myself to represent our nation of 19 small islands and especially, to play with my cousin [Steven Marsters]. That’s massive for our family,” he said.
“There is a lot of good talent coming out of the Cook Islands, and if you look at the players who are playing for Australia and New Zealand, some of the big names who are playing for them could play for us as well.
We are treated like rock stars here in PNG and if we can build that across all islands it will be great for our game.
"The Pacific Championships is good exposure for our little nations. We are treated like rock stars here in PNG and if we can build that across all islands it will be great for our game.”
After losing Arona and Makahesi Makatoa (pectoral injury), the Aitu were over run 46-10 by the Kumuls last weekend but Marsters said they were confident of an improved performance against Fiji.
“I think when we had the ball we looked pretty good but we just ran out of energy,” Marsters said. “I think if we start good and start well, the conditions are humid si for us it is just going to be about better ball security.
“We know it is going to be a tough game but it’s a challenge for us that we are looking forward to.
"A couple of young guys get the chance to make their debuts which is good and the more game time we give to the younger guys the better it will be for us in the long run.
“It is good exposure for them to feel what it is like to play against NRL players and people that play with passion when representing their country."
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